Battery Light Blinking
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Battery Light Blinking
Ok, so my battery light blinks a few times per week for 3 weeks. I can't check what is failing because it is sooo random I cannot create the issue when testing. How long do you think before it goes full on and it is alternator time?
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From: Fraziers Bottom, WV
It could be a ground issue with the battery cable. But if I had to put a finger on a long distance Dx. I would say the diode/s are getting hot and one is opening up. I would also check the power lead at the power junction box.
Rod
Rod
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My battery light blinks when I turn left and go up a hill. Its been blinking somewhat randomly for 3 years. I ignore it. If it stays on then I would get worried. How many miles are on your Escape? This seems to be something that occurs on high mileage vehicles.
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It happens about once a day and stays on for a few seconds.
I do not notice any specific action when it does it. It is random.
The repair shop said maybe alternator or similar, but they cannot do anything until it stays on 100% of the time and then I have just enough juice to make it to the shop.
I do not notice any specific action when it does it. It is random.
The repair shop said maybe alternator or similar, but they cannot do anything until it stays on 100% of the time and then I have just enough juice to make it to the shop.
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If you alternator fails you should be able to go quite a ways before you are totally out of juice (maybe 50 miles)?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Burleson, Tx
Ours does it ask well. I have a volt meter but it is analog not digital and I don't dee any fluctuation in voltage when the light is on. I've decided it's just there to tick me off.
Ours has around 237k.
Ours has around 237k.
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Joe Kucinski
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From: Jersey Shore Not Seaside!
Chasing this issue with my granddaughters Escape right now. I've put a Fluke as well as a cigarrette lighter volt readout on it. Also I've checked the SG on each cell and know the batt is good. I've kept the little display in the car so she knows that a real failure will show a continuious volt reading of 12 and below.
From what I've seen on her car there is more of a variation in voltage output while driving, very briefly dropping down to the 12's, which is probably setting off the light. Escapes can have issue with the connector to the main harness (not batt output) coming loose over time. Haven't yet checked if Ford sells replacement pigtails for that connector.
Brushes or diodes could be at fault as one bad diode could reduce output (Escape don't got great alt output anyway). These alts are so hard to get to that when I have to go in there I'm going to replace the connector and get a new alternator from Ford. Aftermarket rebuilt alternators have become way too unreliable to use for this type of situation.
From what I've seen on her car there is more of a variation in voltage output while driving, very briefly dropping down to the 12's, which is probably setting off the light. Escapes can have issue with the connector to the main harness (not batt output) coming loose over time. Haven't yet checked if Ford sells replacement pigtails for that connector.
Brushes or diodes could be at fault as one bad diode could reduce output (Escape don't got great alt output anyway). These alts are so hard to get to that when I have to go in there I'm going to replace the connector and get a new alternator from Ford. Aftermarket rebuilt alternators have become way too unreliable to use for this type of situation.
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I have had the battery light coming on for a year now. Ive been reading the various posts. I just read a post saying it could actually be low coolant which didnt make any sense to me at all. I went out and looked at the coolant recovery tank and it was low. I put about a cup of coolant into the recovery tank. Problem solved. No battery light at all. Maybe someone can explain this. The light on the dash was the battery light. It would come on after the car sat and would go after driving a mile. It would not go out just warming up. Hope this helps someone.
Fleet Mechanic
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From: Burleson, Tx
Who knows though, if it's still running good at that point I may start driving it when she gets the new vehicle.
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My tribute started blinking about amonth ago. Last night it started staying on longer. Every once in while the ABS and the brake light in the dash would light up as I was driving. I just wanted to make it home. This morning I tested the voltage and it was showing 14.9 volts at an idle. Tonight when I get home I plan on putting an amp tester on the positive side of the battery. I think the alternator is rated for 110 amps.
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Does the alternator on a 2003 escape need a heat sheild, or any kind of shield? I just had the alternator replaced and the guy said the sheild was missing? Does it need one or not? Sorry for this reply, I thought I was asking a question
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Burleson, Tx
I'm sure it mostly keeps the heat away more than water/debris.